Round 2 Predictions

East Conference

Saints (1) and Hurricanes (5)
Once again, the Saskatoon Saints and the Calgary Hurricanes meet in the playoffs. This is the first time the two arch rivals have played each other past the first round. The two previous first round match ups were long series (7 games) with the Saints prevailing a couple seasons ago only to be swept in the second round. The Hurricanes easily knocked off the Marauders in 5 games to advance to the Eastern Semi-Finals while the Saints barely took out the eighth placed Rednexs in the seventh game after originally taking a 3-1 series lead. The Hurricanes-Saints series will likely be another long series (6-7 games) with some close games. Cloutier (Saints) will be facing off against Boucher (Hurricanes), and the two goalies are about equally talented. Offensively, the Hurricanes need Naslund and Svitov's first line to get scoring in order to advance to the East Finals. Right now, Afinogenov has had a superb first round with 5 goals (7 pts in 5 games) and has allowed the Hurricanes success thus far. The Saints' Higgins has been the leading scorer for Saskatoon with 10 pts in 8 games. This series will be long and a doozy to watc h and it might just be too close to call.

Prediction: Hurricanes in seven.

Bobcats (2) and Misconducts (6)
In sweeping the Aces in the first round, the Bobcats were the only team in the TFHL to sweep another club this year so far. But this Misconducts team is solid and likely will give a bit more trouble for the Bobcats who with Biron in net, is the clear favourite to move on to the East Finals and probably the TFHL Finals. Brodeur has shown to be quite solid so far the Misconducts which answers some of the criticisms for the Misconducts when entering the playoffs. Huselius has been a huge surprise for the Misconducts but the whole team has great depth and they all contribute. The Bobcats look much, much, better on paper but the Misconducts franchise has a history of surprising their opponents. For the last few seasons, the Misconducts have had great playoff success which means Gagne and Jagr need to contribute more offensively but their defence has been spectacular with Skoula, Delmore, Klepis and company. But Biron will likely be the story this year and he is more than due for a TFHL Championship ring.

Prediction: Bobcats in six.

West Conference

Flames (1) and Raiders (6)

This series boasts extraordinary goaltending with Nabokov (Raiders) and Theodore (Flames) and we'll see who will steal the show. Chara is the anchor and heart of the Raiders franchise with 7 pts and 47 hits in 8 games. Chara might just be the new “Pronger” of the league and may lead the Raiders to the cup like Pronger's championship year with the Hurricanes. Despite the Flames' deep and strong offense, Chara may give the Raiders the edge. However, Theodore may be due for leading the Flames to the West finals. As well as Chara, the reason why the Raiders are in the playoffs, and now the second round, is because of Nabokov who has been a winner since joining the club. Raiders, although they lack the “super-star” offensemen like the Flames' Gaborik or Calder, but nonethless, the Raiders are well balanced throughout and will give the Flames a rough ride.

Prediction: Raiders in six...with a VERY likely game seven thats too close to call.

Sioux (2) and Achaeans (5)

The Sioux have their work cut out for them as they face off against the wiliey defending Champs. The Achaeans have championship depth, veteran experience and Kolzig has been a solid goaltender thus far. The inexperienced, albeit impressive Sioux lineup, faces-off against the veteran and likely favourite Achaeans. The Sioux have exceptional offence with a couple players: Shkotov and Hulva. So if the Sioux have any chance of winning this series, these two will be the reason. This being said, the Achaeans are boasting the best offensemen in the league (Regular Season and Playoffs), Gregory Campbell is without a doubt, the best all-around forward in the league and the most dependable. With a good veteran and proven lineup behind Campbell, the Achaeans will win this series, and probably quickly.

Prediction: Achaeans in five with the chance of the sweep.